The crew for driver Sebastian Saavedra works on his car during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

The crew for driver Sebastian Saavedra works on his car during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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A crew member for IndyCar driver Charlie Kimball works on tires during an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

A crew member for IndyCar driver Charlie Kimball works on tires during an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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IndyCar driver Takuma Sato prepares for an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar driver Takuma Sato prepares for an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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A crew member holds an umbrella to shade IndyCar driver Takuma Sato during an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

A crew member holds an umbrella to shade IndyCar driver Takuma Sato during an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves makes his way through turn 8 during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves makes his way through turn 8 during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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Helio Castroneves prepares to be towed off the track at the Grand Prix of Houston on Oct. 6, 2013. (Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle)

Helio Castroneves prepares to be towed off the track at the Grand Prix of Houston on Oct. 6, 2013. (Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle)

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IndyCar driver Will Power prepares during an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar driver Will Power prepares during an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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IndyCar driver Charlie Kimball makes his way through turn 8 during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar driver Charlie Kimball makes his way through turn 8 during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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IndyCar drivers Carlos Huertas (18) and Josef Newgarden (67) make their way through turn 8 during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar drivers Carlos Huertas (18) and Josef Newgarden (67) make their way through turn 8 during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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IndyCar driver Takuma Sato puts on his gloves during an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar driver Takuma Sato puts on his gloves during an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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A crew member holds an umbrella to shade IndyCar driver Marco Andretti during an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

A crew member holds an umbrella to shade IndyCar driver Marco Andretti during an IndyCar practice session for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves makes his way through turn 8 during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves makes his way through turn 8 during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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IndyCar drivers Jack Hawksworth (98) and Carlos Huertas (18) make their way through turn 8 during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar drivers Jack Hawksworth (98) and Carlos Huertas (18) make their way through turn 8 during an IndyCar practice session at the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Friday, June 27, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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Vehicles in the IndyCar Transporter Parade as part of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, make their way down Memorial Drive, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in Houston. The Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston presented by the Greater Houston Honda Dealers returns to Reliant Park in Houston on June 27-29, 2014. less

Vehicles in the IndyCar Transporter Parade as part of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, make their way down Memorial Drive, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in Houston. The Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Vehicles in the IndyCar Transporter Parade as part of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, make their way down Memorial Drive, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in Houston. The Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston presented by the Greater Houston Honda Dealers returns to Reliant Park in Houston on June 27-29, 2014. less

Vehicles in the IndyCar Transporter Parade as part of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, make their way down Memorial Drive, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in Houston. The Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Vehicles in the IndyCar Transporter Parade as part of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, make their way down Memorial Drive, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in Houston. The Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston presented by the Greater Houston Honda Dealers returns to Reliant Park in Houston on June 27-29, 2014. less

Vehicles in the IndyCar Transporter Parade as part of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, make their way down Memorial Drive, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in Houston. The Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Eric Richardson poses for a photo in an IndyCar after a welcoming ceremony in front of One Shell Plaza as part of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in Houston. The Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston presented by the Greater Houston Honda Dealers returns to Reliant Park in Houston on June 27-29, 2014. less

Eric Richardson poses for a photo in an IndyCar after a welcoming ceremony in front of One Shell Plaza as part of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in Houston. The Shell ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Donald Spencer prepares to trailer an IndyCar after a welcoming ceremony in front of One Shell Plaza as part of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in Houston. The Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston presented by the Greater Houston Honda Dealers returns to Reliant Park in Houston on June 27-29, 2014. less

Donald Spencer prepares to trailer an IndyCar after a welcoming ceremony in front of One Shell Plaza as part of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in Houston. The Shell and ... more

IndyCar driver Will Power moves a concrete barriers with fork lift during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar driver Will Power moves a concrete barriers with fork lift during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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The A.J. Foyt Grand Prix of Houston trophy is shown on the left as IndyCar drivers Takuma Sato, left, Mikhail Aleshin, center, and Will Power, right, sign autographs during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston. less

The A.J. Foyt Grand Prix of Houston trophy is shown on the left as IndyCar drivers Takuma Sato, left, Mikhail Aleshin, center, and Will Power, right, sign autographs during a Grand Prix of Houston media event ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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IndyCar driver Takuma Sato moves a concrete barrier with a fork lift during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar driver Takuma Sato moves a concrete barrier with a fork lift during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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IndyCar driver Takuma Sato moves a concrete barrier with a fork lift during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar driver Takuma Sato moves a concrete barrier with a fork lift during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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A Grand Prix of Houston event car is shown as workers build a grand stand during preparations for the IndyCar race at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

A Grand Prix of Houston event car is shown as workers build a grand stand during preparations for the IndyCar race at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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A replica IndyCar is displayed during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

A replica IndyCar is displayed during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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IndyCar drivers Mikhail Aleshin, left, Takuma Sato, and Will Power, second from right, pose with fans Linda Smith, center, and her husband, Bob Smith, right, of Spring during a Grand Prix of Houston event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston. The couple were among a few fans who were selected to come to the event for autographs and photos with the drivers. less

IndyCar drivers Mikhail Aleshin, left, Takuma Sato, and Will Power, second from right, pose with fans Linda Smith, center, and her husband, Bob Smith, right, of Spring during a Grand Prix of Houston event at ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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IndyCar driver Will Power drives a fork lift during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

IndyCar driver Will Power drives a fork lift during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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Joe Marias with Great Lakes Reloading paints a line for a race wall during preparations for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

Joe Marias with Great Lakes Reloading paints a line for a race wall during preparations for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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Workers are shown building a grand stand during preparations for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

Workers are shown building a grand stand during preparations for the Grand Prix of Houston at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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The A.J. Foyt Grand Prix of Houston trophy is shown on the left as IndyCar drivers Takuma Sato, left, Mikhail Aleshin, center, and Will Power, right, sign autographs during a Grand Prix of Houston media event at NRG Park Monday, June 9, 2014, in Houston. less

The A.J. Foyt Grand Prix of Houston trophy is shown on the left as IndyCar drivers Takuma Sato, left, Mikhail Aleshin, center, and Will Power, right, sign autographs during a Grand Prix of Houston media event ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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Your guide to the Grand Prix of Houston

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The Cars

The basic formula of the IndyCars are twin-turbocharged V6-powered "open-wheel" racers that produce about 550 to 700 horsepower. They burn E85 ethanol fuel, and the race teams "lease" their engines from two manufacturers: Chevrolet and Honda. All of the cars use a chassis built by Dallara Automobili and are capable of hitting top speeds of about 180 mph during the Grand Prix of Houston.

The Series

The 2014 season includes 18 races and runs from March through Aug. 30. The series is contested on four different types of tracks: superspeedway ovals, intermediate ovals, permanent road courses and temporary road courses. The centerpiece of the schedule is May's Indianapolis 500. The Grand Prix of Houston is the ninth race of the season.

Why is the Grand Prix of Houston held in June this year?

The IndyCar series' decision to consolidate its season so that it ends in August - it concluded in October last year - resulted in the Grand Prix of Houston having to move from October to June.

But what about the heat?

Grand Prix of Houston general manager Chuck Kosich says organizers initially considered scheduling the races at night, but the inability to secure two consecutive nights of live TV coverage led officials to scrap the idea. But precautions have been taken to help spectators deal with the heat, including the placement of several water misting stations, provided by Ace Hardware, around the 1.7-mile track. Spectators are allowed to bring in one 20-ounce or smaller water bottle that can be re-filled at any of the numerous water fountains around the facility. There will be concession stands dedicated specifically to water purchases, and numerous shaded areas will be available.

A large Jumbotron video screen will be set up inside NRG Arena where fans can catch a break from the heat and not miss any of the action on the track.

"We have moved the Family Fun Zone inside the arena this year, and Shell's world-class exhibit called the Mobility Experience will also be inside the arena," said Grand Prix managing director Austin Crossley.

What's new?

Crossley says the Grand Prix contracted with Tower Scaffolding to provide improved grandstands around the facility. Not only are the grandstands larger (up from 16 rows to 30 rows) and have a wider seat width, they have a better pitch, which should create better sight lines. The aluminum seats are made with a special coating designed to reflect heat.

A carnival featuring several rides, including a Ferris wheel, has been added to the grounds this year, and live music provided by local and regional bands will be part of the festivities throughout the weekend.

Highlights: Enters the Houston races leading the IndyCar championship by 39 points over teammate Helio Castroneves. He finished the 2013 season by winning three of the final five races, including race No. 2 at last year's Grand Prix of Houston, and he has maintained that momentum by winning twice this season (St. Petersburg and Detroit, race one). He has yet to win an IndyCar championship, but he finished second three straight years (2010-12) and was fourth in 2013.

Highlights: Pagenaud, whose background includes rally and sports-car racing, had a breakout season in 2013 when he won twice (Detroit and Baltimore) and finished third in the IndyCar championship. His No. 77 entry receives backing and support from Houston-based Kingdom Racing. In May, he won the inaugural Grand Prix of Indy contested on the infield road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and is currently fourth in series points.

Helio Castroneves

Car number: 3

Team: Team Penske

Age: 39

Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Residence: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Years in open-wheel racing: 16

Career wins: 29

Career poles: 39

Highlights: The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner narrowly missed becoming the fourth four-time Indy winner by finishing second in this year's race. He won race No. 2 at the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit earlier this month and stands 39 points behind teammate Will Power in the championship entering the Houston weekend. He led the 2013 season points race for 12 straight weeks before suffering a disastrous weekend in last October's Grand Prix of Houston and finished 27 points behind 2013 champ Scott Dixon.

Scott Dixon

Car number: 9

Team: Target Chip Ganassi Racing

Age: 33

Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand

Residence: Indianapolis

Years in open-wheel racing: 13

Career wins: 33

Career poles: 22

Highlights: Dixon pulled off a heroic comeback by passing Castroneves in season points at last year's Grand Prix of Houston and went on to claim his third IndyCar championship. Regarded as one of the most consistent drivers in the series, he has one Indy 500 victory to his credit (2008). He won four times last season, but he has yet to make it to Victory Lane in 2014 and stands eighth in points. He was the winner of race No. 1 at last year's Grand Prix of Houston.

Highlights: The 2012 IndyCar champion is the most accomplished American-born driver in the field and became the first U.S. driver since 2006 (Sam Hornish) to win the Indianapolis 500 when he won a thrilling last-lap duel with Castroneves in May. He has won twice this year and sits in third place in the championship.